Three Alarm Fire Injured Three Firefighters in Longview "MayDay" was Called

LONGVIEW, TEXAS - On Aug. 7, 2021, at approximately 3:48 a.m. the Longview Fire Department, responded to the 300 block of North High Street for a reported commercial building fire.  When fire department personnel arrived they found heavy fire conditions coming from Nicholson Paint Supply at 303 N. High St. During the firefighting operations, two firefighters sustained injuries when the concrete underlining of an awning on the front of the building collapsed.  Both firefighters were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  A third firefighter received a burn to his arm and was treated on scene.  

The fire was brought under control at approximately 4:30 a.m. with the fire being contained to the original business.  Two other businesses sustained heat, smoke, and water damage.  There were no other reported injuries.

While on scene, the Fire Marshal’s Office detained a suspect for questioning.  That suspect was later booked into the Gregg County jail and charged with arson and three charges of injury to the firefighters. This is still an ongoing investigation.

The fire had been upgraded to a three-alarm fire and required a response from six fire engines, three ladder trucks, three ambulances, and eight support staff.